Tempe police, fire launch Facebook, Twitter accounts

The Tempe Police and Fire Departments have teamed up to launch joint Facebook and Twitter accounts to try to improve communication with residents.

Public safety officials want to make it as easy as possible for residents to stay informed about current issues in the city, Fire Department spokeswoman Sue Taaffe said. They will use the social media pages to post public safety alerts, fire safety and crime prevention tips, officer and firefighter recruitment information, upcoming community events, and breaking news.

The departments also hope the pages will give residents the opportunity to communicate directly with police and fire employees.

“Two-way communications with Tempe residents is always a priority for us, and getting timely and accurate information out becomes especially critical during emergency situations,” Police Chief Tom Ryff said in a release. “Day and night, Tempe police and fire work together on planning efforts and in response to incidents. The addition of Facebook and Twitter is one more way for us to connect directly and quickly with our community to help keep residents safe.”

Recent postings on the Facebook page include information about a carjacker police have asked for the public’s help finding, a video about the fire dangers of hoarding, and information about free booster seats the Fire Department is providing for children.

Similar posts also are on the Twitter page, as well as traffic alerts about accidents and road closures, and information on recent arrests by the Police Department.

“Our goal is that by creating these pages residents who have a special interest in these departments will get timely news about the Police and Fire departments,” Interim Fire Chief Greg Ruiz said in the release. “We want our residents to be as informed as possible while also getting feedback from them at the same time.”

People can follow the departments on Twitter at @TempePoliceFire. The Facebook page can be found at facebook.com/TempePoliceandFire.

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